Illinois   greater   prairie
   chicken.
<P>
   The  collapse  of  the  greater  prairie  chicken population in Jasper
   County was mirrored in reduced hatching rate of eggs.
<P>
EXPERIMENT    In  1992, researchers began experimental translocations
   of prairie chickens from other states to increase genetic variation.
<P>
RESULTS    After  translocations, the hatching rate rapidly improved,
   and the population rebounded.
<P>
CONCLUSION    Lack  of  genetic  variation  had  started the Illinois
   prairie chickens down the extinction vortex.